HC Deb 25 March 1947 vol 435 cc1075-7
Mr. Dalton

I will, with permission, make a statement on flood damage.

His Majesty's Government fully realise and deeply deplore the heavy losses caused by the floods to great numbers of individuals and also to local authorities. They are now considering, as a most urgent matter, how they can best help to relieve agricultural and other losses, and also the emergency expenditure of public authorities within their areas. A further statement on this subject will be made next week.

Meanwhile the Lord Mayor of London is opening a fund for the relief of distress throughout the United Kingdom, and I have informed him that His Majesty's Government will give a lead to other subscribers by contributing forthwith Li million to this fund. It must be the aim of us all, in face of this latest trial, to do our utmost to help our fellow citizens and to make good all damage as soon as we can.

Major Legge-Bourke

While welcoming the fact that His Majesty's Government have decided to treat this thing on a national basis, may I stress to the Chancellor that £1 million is a drop in the ocean, even in the Fens, and that we must consider far bigger figures than that?

Mr. Dalton

I am speaking of the action we have already taken. Far be it from me to suggest that it is the end. We are carefully considering how best we can relieve distress.

Mr. McAdam

Will the Chancellor of the Exchequer take into consideration those districts which were badly flooded in October last year, particularly Salford, where the cost is over £500,000?

Mr. Dalton

We are looking into the whole matter.

Mr. Walkden

Will any of this money be made immediately available to help local authorities to provide fuel to dry the homes which have now been drained, and to provide soap for housewives to clean the homes which have been made filthy?

Mr. Dalton

Local authorities will not run out of money between now and next week.

Mr. Walkden

No, but they have run out of soap.

Mr. Awbery

Will the Government produce a scheme next week whereby they will assist those people through a scheme produced by the Government?

Mr. Dalton

I said that a further statement would be made next week on the subject.

Mr. Snadden

Will the Chancellor sympathetically consider the case of sheep stocks of the country, which have suffered enormous losses and have suffered a similar disaster? Will he take that into account?

Mr. Dalton

It is covered by the terms of my answer dealing with agricultural losses.